The Preservation League of New York State has selected Christ Church Bronxville to receive an award for Excellence in Historic Preservation. They are the only organization in the Lower Hudson Valley to receive the honor this year.
Completed in 1926, the church was renovated to meet 21st century standards while preserving its history and core architectural features. Walter Sedovic, whose self-titled architectural firm in Irvington led the restoration project, said the award affirms a “slow down and understand” approach to heritage buildings.
“The success of this project reinforces how remarkably responsive historic buildings are to modern energy concerns, and that traditional buildings should serve as models of sustainability and energy conservation,” he said.
Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League, said the church restoration used a global environmental view on matters such as stormwater management and reducing energy use.
“The awards jury agreed that by reinstating the natural climate control features of traditional building methodologies – in other words, windows that open – the project team has set a fine example for other practitioners,” he said. “We are delighted to celebrate the restoration of Christ Church Bronxville, and to congratulate the congregation for its stewardship of this magnificent building.”
The awards will be presented at the Preservation League’s Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony in New York City at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16th at the historic New York Yacht Club on West 44th Street.
“The first priority in making the repairs and improvements was to ensure that we respected the historical significance of the church building and its original design features,” said Arthur G. Taylor, chairman of the church facilities committee that oversaw the project . “We are confident that we have achieved that goal, and this award validates our decisions.”
The League’s awards program honors notable achievements in retaining, promoting and reusing New York State’s irreplaceable architectural heritage.
